news

Extreme heat wave threatens 200 million. Could tropical system in Gulf bring some relief?

As a weeks-long heat wave threatens more than 200 million in the U.S., a tropical system is brewing in the Gulf, possibly bringing relief.

Published July 24, 2025 at 1:29pm by Brandi D. Addison


As an extreme heat wave threatens more than 200 million people in the U.S., a tropical system lingering in the Gulf could bring some relief during the hottest days of the year.

Extreme heat warnings, advisories and watches are in effect across several states through at least next week as a powerful heat dome tightens its grip over the Mississippi Valley. The National Weather Service says the dome will slowly expand eastward through the week, pushing dangerous temperatures and stifling humidity into new regions.

In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.

As a heat wave stalls over much of the U.S., a tropical system — similar to last week’s rainmaker over Louisiana and Mississippi — is struggling to organize in the Gulf. If it develops, it could bring some much-needed reprieve from triple-digit temperatures and dangerous heat indexes.

Will tropical system impact Texas?

Forecasters said the system is forecast to move generally westward across the north-central and northeastern portion of the Gulf over the next day or two where some slow development is possible. By the weekend, the system is expected to move inland, ending its chances for development.

"Regardless or tropical cyclone formation, locally heavy rainfall is possible for portions of the northern Gulf coast through this weekend," the hurricane center said in the advisory. Hurricane center forecasters give this system a 10% chance of formation through the next seven days.

The National Weather Service predicts that the heavy rain potential will move west towards Texas on Friday, with additional downpours likely along the Gulf Coast.

Atlantic storm tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Texas weather watches and warnings

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.

  • Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
  • Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
  • Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
  • Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
  • Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.